6 - Today’s FAMILY Give Me Stability

The next item in Maxwell’s Daily Dozen that this chapter covers is Family. I am thankful because I have an incredible family, and have always put family first in my life. To start out the chapter, Maxwell discusses two families with different histories. One has a rich history of College Presidents, doctors, lawyers, etc. The other has a history of thieves, prostitutes, criminals, etc. Maxwell’s point in mentioning these shows that “A good family is an incredible advantage in life.” Maxwell continues by showing us the advantages that a good family can offer:

1. A safe haven in a storm.

2. A photo album of memories.

3. A crucible of character.

4. A mirror reflecting truth.

5. A treasure chest of most important relationships.

Realizing these factors, Maxwell adds that he did not understand the value that family has until much later in his life. Therefore, he worked hard to maintain a good family and shared with us his personal quote of “Success meant having those closest to me love and respect me the most.”

Maxwell then gives us steps to help us build a strong family:

1. Determine your priorities.

2. Decide your philosophy.

3. Develop your problem solving strategy.

Having this foundation for family, Maxwell also passes along some simple advice:

1. Put your family in your calendar first.

2. Create and maintain family traditions.

3. Find ways to spend time together.

4. Keep your marriage healthy first.

5. Express appreciation for each other.

6. Resolve conflict as quickly as possible.

Maxwell then closes with a story about Karen Hughes, who was an advisor to George Bush when he was the governor of Texas, through his campaign to get to the White House, and closest advisor while in the White House. Then one day she decided to move back home to be closer to her son, daughter and granddaughter in Texas. To summarize this, Maxwell says, “She chose her family over her career. Not many people in her position would do that.”